Two local Hull businessmen, Ian Frankish, owner of Tutor Doctor, and Paul Spence, founder of P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery, have joined forces to raise awareness about the dangers of violent assaults among secondary school students.

The campaign, launched in December 2023, aims to educate young people about the life-altering consequences of “one punch” assaults, a topic close to Paul’s heart following his personal experience.

Paul, who suffered severe injuries from a single punch in 2012, including a brain haemorrhage, is committed to sharing his story with students across the region. His injury led to a difficult recovery, impacting his relationships, career, and mental health. “It was a long road to recovery after my injury, which fundamentally altered my relationships, meant I had to leave my job and left me unable to drive for two years, as well as seriously depressed,” Paul recalls. His experience motivated him to establish P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery in 2016, a charity supporting individuals with brain injuries.

Educating Students on the Dangers of Violence

Since the launch of their partnership, Ian and Paul have already reached over 3,000 students, with the goal of delivering talks in every secondary school in the region. Paul’s presentation, “One Punch Ruins Lives,” is central to the campaign, offering young people a first-hand account of the devastating impact of a single violent act.

Ian Frankish, who founded Tutor Doctor in 2021, is passionate about supporting the local community and sees this campaign as a natural extension of that mission. “Paul’s story struck a chord when we initially met,” says Ian. “His ‘One Punch Ruins Lives’ story is such a vital campaign with the power to educate so many on the dangers of these types of violent assaults and the impact of serious brain injuries.”

The talks are designed to provide students with tools and advice to help them avoid both being a victim of violence and engaging in violent behaviour. They cover the mental and physical health impacts of such assaults, emphasising the importance of making responsible choices. Paul encourages students to consider the potential consequences of their actions, asking, “Do I want to be responsible for causing injury or even death?” His goal is to promote the message that walking away from conflict can save lives and prevent lifelong trauma.

Campaign Aims to Reach Every School

The campaign is not limited to male students; Paul and Ian ensure that the message reaches everyone. During one recent talk, a local MP attended, demonstrating the wider community support for this initiative. The talks typically last 30 minutes, followed by a Q&A session where students can engage with Paul directly and ask about issues that resonate with them.

Both Ian and Paul are determined to expand their reach to ensure every student in the area has the opportunity to hear Paul’s message. “Providing students with this crucial information is really important to us both. We want to ensure every student in our area is given the opportunity to attend one of Paul’s talks, and we’re well on the way to doing so,” Ian notes.

Tutor Doctor’s Commitment to the Community

Since its launch, Tutor Doctor has become a vital part of the Hull community, offering educational services that support students in achieving their academic potential. Ian’s vast experience in education has helped him build a successful business that not only provides tutoring but also contributes to the well-being of students through campaigns like Paul’s.

By collaborating with P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery, Tutor Doctor is enhancing its role in the community and reinforcing the importance of educating young people about more than just academics. The company covers Hull and the surrounding areas, including North Lincolnshire, and is committed to supporting local initiatives that promote safety and personal development.